The Future of Europe’s Youth – What it will look like?

This Europe Day event offers young people the opportunity to share what kind of Europe they are helping to build and what kind of Europe they hope for. The discussion will focus on concrete themes that affect young people’s everyday lives and explore how EU decisions are reflected at the local level. The aim is to create an open and inspiring space where young people can have an impact and where their views are genuinely taken into account.

The event brings together young people, experts and European stakeholders to reflect on what kind of Europe can meet the needs of future generations. Participants will hear current perspectives from EU decision-makers, experts on youth participation, and young people themselves, and discover new ways to engage in shaping a shared European future.

The event will conclude with a collective rap performance guided by a professional artist.

Please note that the event will be held in Finnish.

Date and time: Friday, 8 May 2026, 15:00-17:00

Venue: Tampere Main Library Metso, Lehmus hall, Pirkankatu 2, Tampere, Finland

The discussion will be moderated by political commentator Emilia Uljas.

Preliminary programme

15:00 Opening of the event and messages to young people from the European Committee of the Regions

Mikko Aaltonen, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and City Councillor

15:10 “Where is Europe heading, and who decides its direction?”

Aappo Pukarinen, Political Reporter, European Commission Representation in Finland

15:20 How can young people influence decision-making? – Insights and observations from the YOUROPE project

Nina Smolander, Researcher, and Co-Researchers of the YOUROPE project

15:30 Discussion:The Future of Europe Through Young People’s Eyes – What Will It Look Like?

16:15 Rap performance guided by a professional artist Simo Nieminen

16:35 Summary and closing remarks

Mikko Aaltonen, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and City Councillor

Coffee and networking (Metso library café)

Partners:

• European Committee of the Regions

• European Commission Representation in Finland

• YOUROPE Project, Tampere University of Applied Sciences

• European Youth of Tampere

• City of Tampere